LOOKBACK
A DETECTIVE’S JOURNEY: 1960s FAST LANE TO THE PRESENT
John Clark, a former detective from Lancashire, recently experienced a nostalgic journey back in time, taking the wheel of a rare police sports car that he had driven more than 60 years ago
At 91, John was reunited with an MGA Roadster at the Lakeland Motor Museum in Cumbria, rekindling memories of his days patrolling the roads during the 1960s. This particular exhibit is one of the few MG cars originally supplied to Lancashire Constabulary. These vehicles were used for traffic patrols and advanced driver training programmes during the early 60s. For John, the Roadster was part of his training in 1962, when he first got behind the wheel of this sleek, sporty machine. Reflecting on his time with the car, John said, “Those were happy days. It was a beautiful car back then, and it’s still a beautiful car now.” He recalled the MGA Roadsters had just been released when he started driving one, making them
42 | POLICE | OCTOBER | 2024
brand new and highly coveted. “It’s hard to believe they are now museum pieces. Time flies!” he added, as he stood beside the same model he had driven as a
“Those were happy days. It was a beautiful car back then, and it’s still a beautiful car now. It’s hard to believe they are now museum pieces. Time flies!”
young officer.
John’s journey into the world of policing is a story of chance. Originally from Lossiemouth in Scotland, he and a friend decided to take the Lancashire
Constabulary entrance exam on a whim. The two were on their way to watch a football match in Elgin when they spotted a police recruiting bus. “We both decided to do the entrance exam there and then and passed,” John said, recalling how he missed the football match entirely. His career in the police force spanned several decades, beginning in 1956.
Rising through the ranks, John became a senior detective with the Regional Crime Squad. His bravery and dedication were recognised when he was awarded the prestigious William Garnett Cup
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